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Dell Agrees to Pre-Install Skype on New Laptops

11:00 am on June 2, 2006 | Category: Business, Software, VoIP, Web Services

Dell has reached an agreement with free internet telephony provider Skype to included its free online VoIP software as an option on two new laptop computers.

The agreement will involve pre-loading Skype onto the XPS M1210 and XPS M2010 model laptops, as part of an optional audio-video communication package. Users who select the package will also receive an integrated rotating webcam, and built-in mobile broadband capacity, as well as a set of noise-isolation earbuds.

This is just the latest internet-related option offered by Dell, which also recently agreed to pre-install Googleâ€™s search application and web toolbar onto some PC models.

While to Google move is sure to be popular among Dellâ€™s core base of corporate customers, the Skype option might be a harder sell. Many enterprise level IT managers have expressed security concerns about the Skype application, worried that if could compromise the integrity of their networks.

Overall, the Skype add-on will likely be more suited for consumers and very small businesses. It probably has a fiar chance of success within those groups, provided that it is marketed (and priced) accordingly.

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